Baseball playing apparatus



March 5, 1935. V R, J RHODES 1,993,075

BASEBALL PLAYI NG APPARATUS O I /f l o O M I cf I o Q i I I U 5 5 O 5 T O O O I 4 gwumflo'o l EJ560825,

Filed May 25, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet l U I! ll ll- 1 20 3 23 J j R. J. RHODES 1,993,075

BASEBALL PLAYING APPARATUS Filed May 23, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 5, 1935.

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BASEBALL PLAYING APPARATUS Filed May 23, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 ha. .100 104 Q I l l' 1- r J r v'k 20: 3 E o 173% a Fl Titan am as,

March 5, 1935. R. J. RHODES 1,993,075

BASEBALL PLAYING A'PPAR-ATUS Filed May 23, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 I /38 4/ I79 u {RI/T5058 3 elevation in Figure 2.

Patented Mar. 5, 1935 1,993,6f'lj5 PATENT lorries I p 1,993,075 I BASEBALL PLAYING APPARATUS:

Roy J. Rhodes, Peoria, 111. Application May 23, 1932, Serial No. 612,893 '42 Claims. (01. 273-88) This invention has reference to an apparatus for use in playing the game of baseball. More particularly, it relates to an apparatus to be set up in the home, or in public places such as hotels, clubs and the like, and so constructed and arranged as to make apparentto players andob ervers alike all plays asthey would be presented in the outdoor game.

Objects of the invention are, to provide an apparatus in which may be seen all of the plays that happen on the usual outdoor ball field including signals indicating number of pitched balls, the number of strikes, steals, errors, singles, doubles, triples and home runs, together with the position of a player or players at bases; to indicate by sig nals each pitched ball in sequence and each strike in sequence and positionof batted balls on the field; to indicate visually the several plays andoccurrences in the game; to provide a series of current conducting runways each of which runways corresponds to one of various results during the playing of the game and using therewith a rolling contact current conductor in the form of v a ball to electrically connect the parts of any one of the runways for closing a circuit through a signal at the playing field; and to automatically indicate'the advance of players tobases.

Other objects will appear inthe following description with'the aid of the accompanying drawings which show a preferred form of my apparatus, the structure, however, beingsusceptible of minor changes, or such changes as may be considered to lie within the invention and the claims to follow.

Figure 1 is a plan of my invention produced about one-fourth size showing the playing field for baseball. Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same with parts broken away to show construction. Figure 3 is an elevation of parts shown in Figure 2 produced on a larger scale. Figure 4 is an end elevation of part of the invention as seen from the players position, certain parts being broken away to reveal details of construction produced on line 4-4, Figure 1. Figure 5 is a plan of a ball distributor produced on a scale about one-half actual size. Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of the ball distributor of Figure 5 produced on line 6-6 of that figure.

in Figure '7. Figure 10 is a detail in elevation of a field lamp as mounted upon and depending from the member constituting the playing field shown in Figure 1. Figure 11 is a detail, as viewed inplan,'of parts illustrated in Figure '7. Figure 12 is a plan of parts shownin side elevation in Figure 2. Figure 13 is a side elevation, in detail, of' parts shown in Figure 12. Figure 14 is a transverse sectional elevation of a runway shown in Figure 12 on line ll14 thereof. Figure 15 is a.

transverse sectional elevation of the runway of Figure 12 online 15-15 thereof. Figure 16' is a detail, in perspective, of parts shown in said Figure 12and in Figure 14. Figure 17 is a plan,-on

a reduced scale, of certain parts shown near the bottom of Figure 2. Figure 18 is a longitudinal section of a terminal portion of a ball though shown Figure 1'? illustrating a ball release mechanism. Figure 19 is a plan of a cover-glass let into the surface of the playing field shown in Figure 1. Figure 20 shown in perspective one of certain enclosures for containing lamps to be let into the surface of the playing field at certain of the basesf thereof. Figure 21 is a vertical section of the cover glass of Figure19 and the enclosure of Figure 20 combined. Figures 22, 23,

24 and 25 are plans of enclosures for lamps at first base, second base, third base and home plate respectively, of the playing'field.

Figure 26 is a plan of a switch-base used at each of several of the bases on the playing field. Figure 2'7 is a vertical transverse section, full size,

of Figure 26 on line 27-27 thereof. Figure 28 is a plan of a plug-in plate used withthe switchbase of Figure26. Figure 29 is a transverse section of Figure 26 on line 2929 thereof, shown full size. Figure 30 is an elevation of parts shown in Figure 29 illustrating a different position thereof from that shown in that figure. Figure 31, is a vertical section of parts shown in Figure 27 combined with the plug-inplate of Figure 26,- enlarged as compared with the latter figure. Figures 32, 33 and 3d are plans of three switch-bases,

one of which'is shown in Figure 26 illustrating conducting wires connected therewith, and Figure is a diagram of the electric wiring as employed in my apparatus, including the several devices with whichthe wiring is connected.

In Figures 1, 2 and 1'7 a suitable framing is illustrated as a support for the entire mechanism of my invention. Itv may include, for example, four or more standards 1 and suitable bracing elements 2, and has a suitable top 3 forming at Upon said surface at 4, 5, 6 and 7 are arranged the usual first, second and third-bases, and home platejrespectively. .At 8 as the usual position of the pitchers box is an opening extending through the top 3. Rearward from said opening 8, and rearward of second base at 5, is a second opening 9 located in what is known as out-field of the out door game. As shown in Figure 2 an inverted arcuate runway 10 of metal,

for example, extends between the openings 8, 9,

below the table top, this being enclosed between .passage of a ball entering the latter.

a pair of walls 11 and forming with said runway 10 a chute for the travel of balls 12 used in the game. At the opening 8 the end of the runway 10 terminates at the playing field or at the table's upper surface, and lies at that side of such opening lying nearest home-plate. The other end of such runway lies at that side of the opening 9 that is most distant from the opening 8 and extends somewhat above the surface of the field,

being suitably supported by a structure 13 for ex-' ample. It is clear that a ball placed upon the extended runway at 9 will follow the same and emerge at the opening 8 upon the field, the momentum of the ball carrying it toward and beyond the usual catchers position-and to and into a ball distributor shown in Figures 4 and 5, the same lying beneath a scoreboard 14 erected above the playing field 3, andshown in Figures 1, 2 and 4. Said score board consists in this instance of a box-like structure extending across the end of the field in raised spaced relation'thereto. It is provided at its front with a series of; transparent plates 15 bearing the following legends from left to right-Strike 1, Strike 2, Strike 3, Single, Double, Triple, Home run, Fly, Out, Foul out, Error, Steal, Ball 1, Ball 2, Ball 3, Ball 4", and the same may be read in like sequence on Figure 35, de-

noting types'of plays and occurences. Each plate 15 covers a separate compartment 16, but one Ball distributor Beneath the score-board is a cavity 19 extending across part of the middle width of the field, and centrally located in said space are spaced partitions 20, 21, 22 and 23 which lie upon a downwardly slanting member 24, see Figures 2 .and 6. In line with the home-plate 7 is an entrance between the partitions 21, 22, the rear ends of which are joined to form a pocket 21', there being a hole opening through the member 24 at the inner or lower end of such pocket for the Rearward of this pocket 21' in line with the hole 25 is a hole 26 lying within a pocket 27 created between the partitions 20, 23.

and extending to the rear of the member 24 creating a third pocket 28' at the rear of which, in

line with the holes 25 and 26, is a hole 29. A ball leaving the opening 8 as released by the player at the opening 9 may enter any one of the three pockets and from there pass to a certain hi Finally, an abutment 28 lies within the cavity 19 touching its side walls rack, as I shall term it, or to a certain stealing mechanism, both of which will receive attention later. In Figures 2 and 6 it is to be noted that beneath the holes 25, 26 and 29 are tubes 31, 32 and 33, respectively.

Returning now to the playing field, certain batted ball positions are each to be indicated in playing the game by lighting electric lamps in an automatic manner, as will be explained in the operation of the apparatus, the manner of mountingof the lamps being shown in Figure 10. A transparent plate or disc at is let in the surface of the field and beneath it is a hole b to receive a tube 0 within which is a lamp d, the whole being supported in position by a yoke e, certain electric conductors to be described being provided for supplying the several lamps with current. One of these lamps is placed at each of the positions A, B, C, D, E, F, as infield positions, on the field 3. Again, one is placed at each of the positions G, H, I, foul positions. One is placed at each position J, K, indicating singles, one is placed at each of the positions, M, N for doubles, one at P, indicating error, one at Q, right field, one at R, left-field, one at each of the positions S, T for triples, one at U for center field, and one at V indicating home run. All of the lamps at these positions are connected at one side to the named common lead 155, see diagram Figure 35. v

The bases 4, 5, 6, 7 are likewise provided each with lamps by an arrangement shown in Figures 19 to 25 inclusive. That is to say, in said Figure 19 a square of transparent material 6' is let into the playing surface 3 at each of the positions 4, 5, 6 and one of a slightly different shape I is placed at the position 7, home plate, as

indicated in Figure 1. A hole is made in the playing field board at each of the named positions and each receives a lamp box. At bases 4, 5, 6 the boxes denoted at g are of cube form, in this instance, Figures 22, 23 and 24, an open side thereof abutting a transparent member, see Figure 21, being held in position by a bail h and a detachable bottom 2' each of the latter carrying lamps with which electric wires are connected as will appear. Each of the boxes has a center partition is dividing the space thereof into two compartments. At the first base position 4 one compartment of the box 9 contains two lamps 7', while the other has two lamps m. The second base box at 5 has five lamps n in one compartment, and two lamps 0 in the other. Again, the third base box at 6 has five lamps p in one compartment and one lamp q in the other. Respecting the home plate at 7 the box therefor, Figure 25 has an angular space 1* separated by a partition s from the larger space thereof, thelatter containing nine lamps t and the said angular space has one lamp u. The transparent member f thereof where it covers the last mentioned space carries the word out while above the other space appears the word safe. Also, each cover plate e of the other boxes described carries the words safe and out, one at each side of the partitions of said boxes in order that when a lamp is lighted in either space the word thereabove is made readable. One terminal of each lamp of all of the boxes is electrically connected with the metal of its particular box, the wires leading to the boxes being indicated respectively by 4 for the box at 4, by 5 for box at 5, by 6' for the box at 6, and by 7' for the box at position 7, all such wires being connected with the named common conductor 155, see Figure 35.

The "wires leading to the other side-of the several lampswill beiidentified later in the description. As an aid in properly identifying the several boxes in Figures 22, 23, '24 and 25 they are designated in general, only, by the characters which which to insert the plug a of a plug-in plate a see Figures 28, 31,32, 33 and 34. The holes' of all of the switch bases 4 and 6 will beidentified by the same reference character as above, for convenience and ekpediency and for a clearer understanding, all such references being used in the same order in'each base and in the diagram Figure 35. Beneath and attached to each member a at each of the named holes by 3 bolts r, for example, are pairs of spaced spring contact-strips a to receive between them the said plugs a certain of them being not unlike those used in common practice in switch bases. These pairs of strips 11 for convenience in the description of the operation will be referred to as open switches. In Figures 29 and 30 another type of contact strip is shown and this form will be referred to as closed switches for convenience also. This type is used in conjunction with the first named type on each-of the switch bases 4?, 5 6 only at the bases 5, 6, i; e, second and third bases, though differently arranged on each. It is noted that a strip in said Fig-- ures 29 and 30 is disposed in the same way as any one of the named strips c0 but in addition, 7 it has, in this instance, an extension a disposed so as to receive contact of a companion strip at, the two being normally in contact forming a "closed switch. In addition, an insulating strip s is interposed between the two contact strips and is held by one of'the named bolts :0 as an example. a between the insulating strip and the strip a separates the two strips a and 0. and the said insulating strip prevents contact of the plug with the adjacent strip @1 against which the insulating strip lies. By such an arrangement as escribed a common plug in plate a as above, provided with a full complement of plugs a can be used with any one of the switch bases without respect to the varied arrangements or" the closed and open types of contact strips.

Hit rack The hit rack illustrated in plan in Figure '7, and in elevation in Figure 2, comprises a board having a raised rim 3% around its edge for retaining played balls thereon. Said rack lies centrally of the frame structure 1, 2, being inclined at an angle downwardly toward the end of the structure at which the player is stationed,

Or that position nearest the opening '9 at'the chute 10. At its upper end the board" is provided centrally with an A-shaped divider whose apex lies just rearward of the position of the tube 31 described in connection with Figure 2.

For a considerable area at each side of and down wardly from the divider is a series of deflectorpins 36 set in staggered relation. The ball after leaving said divider is shunted back and forth are each let into the The entrance of a plug one of which may receive a ball upon 'it,;said runways lying parallel to the longest measurement of the board, in this instance. The structure of the runways is be st shown in Figure 8. Each consists of two spaced metal members 3'7,- 38 suitably erected upon the board 30 andfin sulated from each other in pairs by a space, for

example, as shown. The members are spacedapart a distance but slightly less than the diame-' ter of a ball 12 so that the latter will be supported quite near its center line about as shown in Figure 8. It is observed that the runways lie closely adjacent to each other. That is to say, a member 3'7 of one runway lies close to a member 38 of an adjacent runway, being separated from each other by an-insulating strip 39, the several strips extending upwardly beyond the member 3'7, '38, acting as dividers for guiding a;

ball 12 upon a runway between any two of them:

laterally in its movement-down the'board emerg ing, therefore, at no definite or fixed point. "Be-- low said series of pins .is a series of runways any Figure 7 illustrates the relation of the parts in elevation, it being noted in this figure thatthe members 3'7, 38 are cut at an angle, as 40, so that the ball may readily mount them in its descent upon the board. Beneath the board 30 at thelower ends of the members 3'7, 38 a metal strip 41 is preferably installed, to which a conductor 42 is connected, all of the said members 3'7 only,

being connected electrically'with the said strip by means of'bo-lts 42, for example, there'b'eing twenty of such members so connected. Toeach" of the twenty companion members 38 are separately connected through a cable, not shown, wires 38 38 38 38 38 38 ,38 "38 38 It is now to be understood that with thestrip 41" and the wires just described connected-with a source of current the passage of a ball 12 over anyone of the runways will close an electric circuit through any one pair of said members 3'7, 38 f' thereof; to produce 'a result at the-playing field as will appear in the description of the operation- 7 and in connection with the 'wiring diagram of Figure 35.: Farther down the board 30 are metal guide members 43, 44,45, 46, 47,48; 49, 49 50,

5 1, 52, 53, 54, 55, reading from left'toright of I the drawings, Figure 7. These guide'members extend in the same generaldirection as the mem bers 3'7, 38 and create passageways 56,57,

58, 59, 60, 6 1, 62, 63, 34, 65, reading again from left to right, the two outermost passageways 55" and 65 lying between the raised rim 34' and the guide members 43 and 54 respectively. The lower ends of all these guide members lfi to "54, both inclusive, are electrically connected by a" metal strip67, for example, which lies beneath them upon the board 30, see Figure 9 particularly; Extending across and upon the named members43to 55 inclusive, is a strip168 to which a guideways butone is a metal flap '72 adapted to i abut a pin '72 carried by the door, said pin being electrically connected with the facing '70. The

several flaps, however, normally hang free of and out of contact with said'pins '72. A cord '73 is" attached to the door and extends to a pull-rod the flaps 72, while a conductor 90 carries current to the named metal strip 67, both the conductors 90 and 42 having connections with a lead wire 156 connected to a source of current at 154, Figure 35. Normally no current canflow from the hinged flaps since, as already stated, the flaps hangfree of the pins '72. A ball 12, however, having entered: any one of passageways, and reaching a position shown in Figure 9, upon touching the strip.67 and the flap 72 will complate the circuit from said strip 67 through the ball to the particular conducting wire connected to that flap. In order to insure a flow of current at this time the weight of the ball carried the flap against the pin 72' as that current may also. flow from the spring 71' to the facing 70, thence through that member and pin 72' to said flap. The result of closing a circuit in this way is that a lamp'is lighted at any one or all of the bases 4, 5, 6, 7, orat the score board 14, or both. The purpose of the particular arrangement described, or its equivalent, is that of providing a double means of insuring a closed circuit when the ball 12 reaches the vicinity of the strip 67. Even though the balls surface by chance may carry particles that might prevent current iiow' a closed circuit will be positively made by the weight only of the ball upon the flap causing the latter to contact the pin 72'.

The board 30 terminates in a hopper portion 92'for the reception of the played balls and has a pocket 93 provided with an opening 94 in its bottom leading into a tube or chute 95 which overhangs at its outlet a trough, 96 as part of the apparatus shown in Figures 2 12 and 18.

It is observed. in Figure 7 that the pair of guide members 47, 48,. and the pair 49, 49? and the pair 50, 51 are widely spread attheir upper ends to form separate passageways into which 'certain' of the runways 37, 38 open, and also that their lower ends are spaced, as well,.to embrace certain short spacers 97 which divide the lower spaces into small passageways 97, 97 97 97 97 97 97", 97 In each of the passageways, except the last named one, is one of the described flaps 72. Also it is noted that there is a hole 98 in the board 30 within the passageway 97 in place of one of the flaps 72. This opening communicates with a chute 99, of a stealing mechanism on a strike and ball rack also shown in Figures 2, 12 and. 17, the structure of which figures is now to be explained.

Stealing mechanism and strike and ball'rack In Figure 12 two vertical chutes 100, 101 are shown. Into the top of the chute is directed the tube 32 of Figure 2, and into the other the tube 33 of the latter figure; The lower ends of the chutes 100101 terminate above troughs 102 and 103 respectively which are downwardly slanted toward the players position.

Rotatably mounted across the chutes at one side thereof is a shaft 104 having hubs 105, 106 said hubs each being provided'with a pair of fingers extending from diametrically opposite sides thereof, those for the hub being indicated by 107 and those for the hub 106 by 108. Said hubs are fixed to the shaft in positions in which the fingers of one will lie in a' line at right angles to the line of the others, said fingers in their rotation with the shaft passing into and out ,of the chutes through openings 109 in the walls of the latter. Mounted on the shaft is a drum- 110 of non-conducting material having a metal contact portion 111, Figure 3, electrically connected at 112 with the shaft 104, a conductor 113 being electrically connected with the shaft through one of the bearings 114, for example. A member 115 is pivoted or hinged on a part 116 of the structure and a spring 117 holds the same elastically in the direction of the drum, there being attached to said member 115 a spring contact strip 115' in position to touch the contact portion 111, during a certain period in the rotation of the drum. A weight denoted at .119 on the drum is so located as to hold said drum in a position where the contact portion 111 is normally out of touch with the contact strip 115'.

Considering the two troughs 102, 103, which are braced by a member 119, the trough 102 has an opening 120 in one of its sides into which opens a trough portion 121 as part of the trough 99 previously mentioned in connection with the hit rack of Figure 7. Figures 12 and 13 show supporting members 122 for the sides of each of the troughs, and see also Figures 14, 15 and 16. Each member 122 supports one of the trough sides andsaid sides form a ball guideway. Near the extreme lower end of the trough 102 is a supporting member 122 fixed to which are two spring contact-strips 123, 124, whose upper edges are at an elevation about level with the bottom of the trough, Figure 13. Each of the strips 123, 124 lies close to metal strips 125, 125 respectively, with which said strips 123, 124, by the weight of a ball. thereon, are adapted to have contact. Opposite the strips 123, 124 is a strip 127 with which the ball also has contact, and connected with the strip 125, 125' are conductors 157'and 158 respectively. The strip 127 is connected by wire 158 with the conductor 156 of the source of current at 154. At the opening 120 of the said trough 102 is hinged a gate 133 for closing said opening but said gate is adapted to swing into said trough. Within the trough and out of reach .of the hinge of the gate 133 is a spring contact member 134 beneath which is a strip 135, the two being normally separated, a conductor 159 connected to said strip 134 extending to the score board 14, while a conductor 137 at the strip is connectedto the named conductor 156. Contact of the two portions 134, 135 is made by the weight of a ball passing over said member 134 as said ball travels toward the strip 123, 124.

In the opposite trough. 103 spring contact members 138, 139, 140 and 141 are erected in the same 'way as the members 123, 124 connected with which are conductors 169, 170, 171 and 172, respectively, which are connected in turn, with strips 169, 171', 172 connected to certain lights on the score board at 14. A contact strip 146 lies opposite the members 138, 139, 140, 141 to receive contact of such members and a conductor 147 attached to said strip 146 is connected with the lead wire 156. As in the other instance the passage of a ball over the several contact members last named closes circuits from the latter through the strip 146.

Abutting the ends of the troughs is a door 148 hinged to the previously mentioned member 119, there being a cord 149 attached to the front of said door and extending to the pull-rod 74 of Figure 2. A spring 148 is attached to the back of the door and secured at its other end to the mally in a given position.

thereof within the cavity 19.

part of 1-16',-for example, by which spring ,the

door is held normally closed. Also attachedito theiback of the dooris a cord148 which is attachedto the member at the drum 2110 in suchmanner'that when the door is opened the contact members 115' .on said member 115 will be drawn away from the wheel permitting .the lattertoassumethe position shown in'Figurev 3 7 due to the weight 119. The trough 96 previously .mentioned, see Figures 7 and .17 terminatesoat the end inahopper l50'which hangsbeneath the door 148, receiving balls from the troughs 1,102, .103. The trough 196 is inclined toward the players .end of the apparatus vand asshown inEigure 18 has an opening -151,in its bottom closed by a valve'152. This troughvis the final reeeiver., for

allplayed balls passing through the apparatus;

it being remembered that certain balls on the hit rack 30 enter said trough 96H1through the ratusisshown as wellas enough of the diiferent parts of the latter to make the'connections clear,

the reference .characters thereon agreeing with those used .indescribing the otherfiguresr In connection; with said Figure 35, the current'source may be a stepdown transformer 154", supplying current to the-apparatus through conductors .155,

156 before referred to and at 157 is'illustrated an electric switch operated by a magnet 1582, said switch being employed to make and break certainelectric circuitsas will appear, a spring 159 serving to elasticallyjhold the switch nor- ,InFigure 4 the lamps .17 of the compartments of the score board 14 are indicated diagrammatically, it being observed that the transparent plate bearing fly, fout has two of the lamps. All of the lamps including the tell-tale lamp 18 are connected at one side with one of the main lead Wires, 155, connected with the source of current, i. e. the transformer 154, Figure 35. The other side ofthe lamp 18is connected togthe wire 156 leading directly to the transformer so that said lamp remains lighted when the circuit through the apparatus is closed.

Upon closing the circuit through the transformer the mechanism is ready foroperation, the tell-tale light at 18 denoting a closed operating circuit, as stated. Two persons may playzthe game and are naturally opponents. A b,all 12 started down the runway 10 at the opening 9 emerges from the opening 8 at the pitchers position, as explained rolling, toward and into the ball distributor, Figure 5, between the partitions Should the ball enter thecenter openingbetween the partitions 21, 22 it will drop through the hole .25 upon the hit-rack 30 through the tube 31. i ,Onkthe other hand, if it enters the opening .betweenthe partitions 20, and 21, or between partitions ,22 and 23 it will drop through the hole 26 andrthe tube 32 into the chute 100, Figures '2- and 12. Again, if the ball enters the opening or cavity 19 at either side of the groupof partitions '20, 21,22, 23 it will drop-through the hole 29 and the tube 33 into the chute 101. Following a ball, now,- that may have reached the hit rack 30, saidrball, may pass to either side of the divider 35 and upon reaching the pins 36 be shunted :backand forth thereby until in itscourse down-theib oardit will pass upon any one of, therunwa'ysgmadeupof ,may chance to venter.

:thespace ,memhers37, :38, .;Figure 8. -,.-Any one of the twenty .guideways made :up of the .said spaced members 37,;3,8 may receive the: ba1l,yand, depending upon which of themthe .ball zmay traverse, ,said balkmay be delivered, into; anyone of the passageways 553.56,;5'7, 58, 65. and anyone of the passageways;9'l, 97 97$,.9.7 ,.97, 97,-..9Fl7, :at the door 11,69, against ,aflap 7,2; 0r,=.on theotherihandrit may pass into the passageway 9'7 and pass :through the opjening ,98 .leadingfto .thc ;trough 9 9,;Figure 17. :It is clear ur'om the 'above'that .from':the time of the delivery ofgthe ball to and includingrits movement throughthehitrack its final destina= tion isi wholly uncertain making :thegame .very

interesting with ,thefinal result, mostproblemati cal. Now, it .is one of the purposes of the;inv,en-"

' tionlto indicate :the resultpf :plays on the play-'- jingfieldfi and at' bases,- as well as on thescore {board at 14:1oy means of signals',.preferablyvisual, by lighting lamps :as :previously stated. A

batted ball iwhenjt mounts the members 37, -38 closesa circuit through thetransformer s1-54 and lighting a;l'amp-; o'n--the saidifield, suchaszd,

'Figure :10. The conducting Wiresfrom'the ,sev- .eral pairs of members 37,;38 garesoconnectedvas to cause a lamp toibe lighted in any one place on the field depending .upon the .balls course through thehit :rack, including the runway it It is desirable when ,a lampjis tobe lightedtdshow anyoneofthe positions upon the field towhich: aball is-supposedto have been batted that said lamp will :remain lighted fortan appreciable length pf'time. ,To

this end, therefore, ithejspacing of :the members 37, 38 ,is suchathat the ball ,1-21though;having.con-

siderable momentumcan move but slowly down the inclined .members referred to due to the re- That there :may. also be fan'ezrtended :time :of

illumination atthe bases 4, 5; 6,.7, a ball pocketed at the door 269 of the hit-rack 3O closes circuits ,through the means already described, such illumination continuing as long as the .ball lies positionof a battedtball at said door, cor until the such door is lifted. to

.release'any balls after hits. or outs.

The wire 156, Figure 7', conducts currentto theco-nducting strip 67 fromthe transformer .154, thence to. andthrough the ba11:12.and-finally to a flap 72gto anyone of the conducting wires on the non-conducting'strip 68 thatmayborrespond with that flap.

Beginning attheleft'of said Figure 7, thefirst passageway 55' corresponds to, or .is identified with homerun on the score board l4. Arball' entering that passageway will completean else-.- tric circuitfrom the transformer '154through'the wire '75 on the strip 68 to one of the lamps rm the base 7 (home plate) for safe by wire-connection '75 Connected to said-wire 75,-see Figure 35 ,is a wire .163'leading to a lamp 17in home'run' compartment of the SCOIB bO3J'd. Thus both the named lamps are lighted by a completed circuit through the Imain conductor and transformer 154', one sideto'f all'ofthe lampsof the base 'I being connected to the latter-by-wires '7 of the base-box, ,see Figure '25.

In this connection-it'willbe remembered that earlier herein it was stated that-the boxes of all of the bases i, 5, 6- are likewise connected with the return wire 155-by wires 4'', 5',=and 6' respectively. Just previous to this lighting of the namedlamps a ball 12 that haspassed down the 'members 37, 38 of the'runway' lying directly above the passageway 55has caused the home run lamp V on the field 3 to be lighted due to the fact that the member 38, and-the wire 38' leading to one side of this lamp carry the current through the ball from members 37 back to the transformer. As a general statement, it may be said that when a home run is made as above, only the compartment 'in"home plate 7 'is lighted, or that denoting safe, it being understood, of course, that any base runner occupying bases 4, 5, 6 would score ahead of the batter;

A ball 12 moving down the next adjacent runway, or that above passageway 56, will light field lamp at S for triple through wires 156 and 42,

a wire 38 and the ball upon finally passing'to the strip 67 will cause current toflow to wire 76 through a fiap 72 to one of the-lamps p in base 6 through. its connection to wire 76', thence to wire 162 lighting the lamp 17 in triple, compartment ofthe score board. Attached tothe wire 76 is also a wire 173 connected to one side of the switch a in switch base 4 the other side of said switch having connection by wire 174 to a separate lamp t in home plate 7. Also, attached to wire 173 is a wire 175 leading to a switch a in switch base 5 The other side of the switch has a wire connection 176- leading to the named wire 174.. Thisconnection in effect advances a runner from second base 5 to base 6, a plug-in plate being in position at base 5 for the purpose.

when inserted complete other circuits aheadfor plays to follow, and at the same time they prevent plays that are not in accordance with regular base ball, as, for instance, they prevent operation of the stealing mechanism when runners are not on bases. That is to say, if a plate is plugged in at third base 6 the circuit is broken to the stealing mechanism so that the operation'of that mechanism is prevented. By this means com-,

plicated plays areavoidedz Since the named mechanism is designed to take care of a steal of second base 5 by a runner onfirst and second bases 4 and 5 it is necessary that a plate be plugged in at first base 4 to. make said mechanism operative. If a plate is also plugged in at second base 5 the runner on third base 6' is out. It is therefore necessary that a plate be inserted at said third base 6 to prevent these plays since the game does not provide for the advancement to home plate 7 of a runner from third base 6.

The wire 1'73 continues to switch a on switch base 6 by a wire 173' atsaid switch while the other side of the latter is connected by a conductor 177 to one of .the lamps t in base 7 for safe, advancing a runner from base 6 to base '7, a triple hit by the batter lighting ,safe

at base 6. Therefore, if supposed runners occupy bases 4, 5, 6, resulting from previous plays, a plug-in plate a' will have been inserted in any 7 one or all of the switch bases 4 5 and 6 The electrical connections thus formed through any one of the switches by this insertion lighting .safe in base 7, theopen.type switch only havingbeen affected closing the several described circuits, no current having flowed through any of the switches other than those just described.

Consider now, passageway 65 at the extreme right of Figure 7, which isalso a triple. A ball entering the runway thereabove will have closed a circuit through strip 41 and wire 38 lighting lamp T triple on field 3. The ball 12 thereafter upon reaching the strip 67 causes a flow of our-- rentthrough wire 89 on strip 68 to wire 76 which has the? effect of producing the same result as above outlined. The runway above the passageway 57 "by means of a ball thereon will close a circuit from strip 41 through wire 38 to lamp M double on the playing field, the ball finally connecting strip 67 and wire 77 by which current is closed through a lamp n safe in base 5 through branch wire 77'. Attached to wire 77 is a wire 161'leading to a lamp 17 in double compartmentof the score board 14, there being also connected with wire 77' a wire 178 leading to switch a of switch base 4 said wire 178 continuing to and being connected to the switch a at switch base 6 by wire 178'. The opposite connection of switch a atswitch base 6 connects to still another lamp t in base 7 "by wire 179.

From wire 178 a wire 180 leads to switch a in switch base 5 From the other side of that switch'a wire 181 leads to another lamp t, safe, in base 7. From switch a on switch base 4 a wire 182 leads to a lamp p in'base 6. The

result of these several connections is that a ball 12 lights a lamp in safe compartment of base 5. If from previous plays'a runner is on base 4 with a plug-in plate a" in position in'that base,

an electrical connection is made in safe compartment of base 6. Also, in previousplays if a plug-in plate a" has been plugged into either switch base 5 or 6 the electrical connection made would light safe compartment of base 7.

A ball traversing the runway 87, 38 above passageway 63 will, through strip 41 and wire 38 light the lamp N double at playing field 3, and, upon reaching strip 67 completes a circuit through wires 87 and 77 resulting in showing double, or the sample play as last above, through the same lamps.

The runway above passageway 58, through a ball 12 will close a circuit through strip 41 and wire 38 the latter leading to lamp J single,

'wire 185 leading to switch a in switch base 5 the other side of the latter connecting by wire 186 with a lamp t in base 7. To wire 183 is connected a wire 187 attached to switch a in switch base 6 the other side of this switch having connection with a lamp t safe in base 7 through wire 188. Connected to wire 78 is the armatureswitch 157' at the named magnet coils 158 the same being normally held in contact by its spring 159' with the wire 160 leading to lamp 17 in single compartment of the score board'14, this lamp being lighted; The previous'closing of the circuit in passageway 58 has thus lighted said lamp at the scoreboard, and has lighted safe in base 4. If during previous plays plug-in plate a" has been inserted in'switch'base 4 then safe compartment at base 5 will be lighted. Also, if in previous plays plate a" is plugged into either switch bases 5' or 6 or both, then Safe compartment in base '7 is shown. In other words a supposed man on first base 4 arrives at second base 5 safely, and a man on secondbase 5 and one on third base 6 would score.

Above passageway 59 between the members. 46 and 49 are six separate runways each made up of members 37, 38 as before, all of which runways represent'any one of varicus'infield positions to which a ball may be hit. A ball passing down the first of these closes a circuit through strip 41, wire 38 and field lamp 5, flnfield. The circuit closed by a ball 12 in the next. runway of the named six is closed through the strip 41 and wire 38 to lamp A, Infield, on the field. The third runway of the series will close a circuit through the lampF Infield on the field 3 through wire 38 Likewise the fourth will close a circuit through the lamp E Infield on the field 3 through wire 38 and at the fifth runway the lamp D Infield on the field is lighted through wire 38 The last of the six mentioned runways will close a circuit through the field lamp C Infieldtbywire 38 all six runways discharging into the passageway 59. A ball leaving the latter passageway may enter any one of the pockets 97', 97 9'7 or 97 with no certainty, of course, as to which may receive it. If the ball enters the first of these, a circuit is closed as before through the strip 67 and wire '79 which lights a lamp m in base 4 showing Out. Connected to wire '79'is a wire 189 leadingto switch a in switch base 4. The other side of theswitch is connected to wire by a wire 192 leading to switch a in switch base 5 and from this switch leads a wire 193 c0nnected to a lamp 1:) in base 6 for Safe. A wire 194 isconnected to wire 190 leading to a lamp 0- in base 5. Wire 190 continues to switch a in switch base 6 Attached to the otherside of this switch is a wire 191 connected to a lamp t in Safe compartment of base '7. Besides lighting Out in base 4, if from previous plays the plug-in plate a lies in switch base 4 then the Out compartment in second base 5 is illumig nated. If a plate a." lies in switch base 5 then Safe compartment in base 5 is'lighted, and if a plate liesin switch-base 6%Safe is lighted in base 7, home plate. Otherwise stated, the batter is out at first base 4 and if a runneris at first base ,4'he is out at second base 5 in what is termed a Double play. A runner on second base 5 advances safely to third base 6 while a runner on the latter base Scores.

A ball in pocket 97 completes a circuit through strip 67 and wires 80 to switch a on switch base 4 said wire 80 continuing at 80 to a closed switch at a on switch base 6 this type of switch being shown in Figures 29 and 30, and already described. Connected with this same switch a is a wire being thus, designated since, at times, this is a separate lead connected to a lamp m in base 4. The switch a of base .4 is connected at its other side with a lamp n .of base 5 by a wire 196, and leading from wire 80 is a wire 197 connected to one side of a switch a of switch base 5 From the other side of this switch extends a wire 198 leading to a lamp p in base 6. Wire 80 also connects'thro-ugh a Wire 80 with switch a" on said switch base 6 with switch a of that base. The other side of switch a in base 6 is connected by a wire 199 with the lamp u in base '7, and connected to wire 199 in aconductor 200 leading to a lamp 7' in base 4. Leading'from wire 200 is a conductor 201 connected to switch a in switch, base 4 the other side of switch-11 havthen ;Safe compartment or" base 5 is 11- Eliminated. Also, if av plate a is plugged into.

switch base 5 then Safe compartment in base 6 is lighted. Howevenif the plate is plugged into switch base 6 base 4 is lighted showing Safe instead of ,Out, and Out compartment in base '7 will be lighted; In other words when the batter hits theball he. is out at first base 4 provided there is no runner on third base 6; If a runneris on third base 6, first base 4 will show Safe and base 7 Homev plate will show Out. If runner is on bases 4 or 5, or both, theywill advance to bases-5 and'fi.

A ball entering the pocket 97 on the hit rack will close a circuit through strip 6'7 and wire 81, the latterleading to one ofrthelamps in Fly Out compartment or" the score board 14;. From the pocket 97 the wire 82 thereof has connection with wire 78 producing the same Single play at the scoreboard and bases, asv jllStgSXe plains-d, through the same connections. From a the first of the two runways readingfrom the left above the passageway 60 current .will flow through a ball 12 from the strip 41 and wire 38" lighting lamp Q Right field on the field 3, while the next runway to theright, by a ball .12, closes a circuit through the strip 41 and wire 38 to light lamp U Center field" on the, field 3.

The third runway lights lamp R Left field through the wire 38 A ball 12 entering any one of these runways passes to either of the pockets 97 97 If said ball entersthe. first of these a circuit is completed through wire 84- leading to switch a of switch base 6 The. other side of the latter switch is connected by a wire 203 with a lamp t in base '7 lighting Safe. Attached to wire 84 is a wire 164 leading tofthe secend of the two lampsl? in Fly Out comparte merit of the score board. Also connected=to the wire 84 isa wire 264 leading to switch a .-.on switch base 5 and to the other side of the latter switch is attached a wire 205 connected to a lamp pinbaseG.

A ball makingycontact in pocket 97 of the hit rack thuslightsa lamp in Fly Out compartment of the score board. If plug-in platea" is plugged into the switch base 5 Safe.is shown at base 6. It said plug-in plate isplugged into switch base o then Safe on base '7 is lighted. In other words when the batter hitsv a fiyto out field which is caughtby an opposing player he is retired. However, if base runner isonsecond base 5 he. advances to third base 6.safely. after the catch. In the same manner a runner on thirdbase 6 would score after the catch.

Above the passageway 63 arethree segregated runways, and, as before, aball 12 passing d'own any one of them will reach any one of the pockets 97", 97 Intraversing the first of the'threexrunways, reading from left to right, a circuit is closed through strip 41 and wire .38 the latter being connected to the lamp G Foul on the playing field 3, while'the next runway through wire 38 lights the lamp .I-I Foul, and the third andxlast of the threerunways lights the lampI for Foul as. well, through wire 38 A ballentering, .now, the pocket 97 will complete. acircuit through strip 6'? and wire 85, the latter havingfconnece tion with a lamp 1"! in Foul Out compartment 1 If in previous plays of the score bdard'. But if the ball drops into pocket .97 it falls through the hole 98 thereof, entering the trough 99, therebeneath, passing directly to the strike rack of Figure 17.

All of the runways made up of the pairsof members 37 and 38 have now been accounted for except the one lying directly in line with the passageway 64. A ball that may enter this runway closes a circuit through the .wire 38 to lamp P Error on the playing field 3, and upon reaching the strip 67 completes a circuit through the wire 88 connected to the lamp 17 in Error compartment of the-score board 14. From the wire 88 extends a wire 205 terminating as a contact point at the armature-switch 157. A wire 206 leads to one side of the magnet coils 158 the other side of the latter being connected by a wire 207 directly to the lead wire 155 extending to the transformer 154. The ball having completed the circuit through the described wiring has caused the lighting of the Error compartment of the score board and charged the magnet coils 158 causingthe armature-switch 157 to break contact with wire 160 and to make contact with the wire 207. This has the effect of permitting current to flow from the latter through the said armature-switch to the wire 78 lighting the various lamps in bases in exactly the same manner and by the same wiringoutlined under the play Single.

Consider, now, the ball distributor and stealing mechanism, Figures 5 and 6. If a ball 12 has dropped through the opening 26 of the former it passes into the chute 100 and moves down the trough 102 finally resting against the door 148. Having reached this position the ball has closed a circuit through the contact strips 123 and 125, and the strip 127 whereupon lamp 17 in Strike 1 compartment of the score board is lighted, through the conductor 157 and said strip 127, by wire 158' connected with the lead wire 156 of the named transformer. A second ball 12 dropping into. the chute 100 and moving down the trough 102 comes to rest against the ball already in place, and by its weight upon the strips 124, 125 and 127 closes a circuit through the wire 158 lighting lamp 17 in Strike 2 compartment of the score board 14. A third ball in taking its place in the same way rests upon and depresses member 134 against strip 135 closing a circuit through wires 137 and 159 lighting lamp 17 in Strike 3. compartment of score board.

With no ball lying in the trough 102, a foul ball received from the hit rack 30 through trough 99 will enter the extension of 121 of the latter passing then into trough 102 and will take up a position against the door 148. In this passage of the ball the gate 133 at the opening is forced open and moved to and against the, farther or opposite side of the said trough. The ball now forms an electrical connection at the strip 124,

as in the first instance above, lighting lamp 17 in Strike 1 compartment of the score board. A second foul entering in the same way will rest against the first ball closing an electrical circuit through strips 124, and 127 as before lighting lamp 17. The third foul ball in the portion 121 can only partially enter the trough 102 due to the position now occupied by the gate 133. This ball, therefore cannot close an electrical circuit through any of the contact portion in the trough 102 so that no registry through the lighting of lamps can result, the gate preventing the ball from so doing. It is to be understood that the first ball that entered the. trough 102 mcac'rs from the chute 100 in the action first described above would register its Strike 1 and that a first foul ball then entering and occupying the second position would register Strike 2. However, a second foul ball entering the trough can not close an electrical circuit due to the blocking position of the gate 133 with no result shown since that ball will reach no contact portions. If, now, a ball enters the trough 102 from chute 100 it would come to rest against the gate and upon resting upon and depressing the member 134, it will close the circuit through the plate 135 through wires 137 and 159, lighting Strike 3 compartment of the score board. It will be seen that if two balls enter the trough 102 from chute 100 and occupy the first and second positions at the door 148, the gate 133 if standing open would be pushed back to close the opening 120 completely preventing entry of a ball from the trough 99. That is to say, with the mechanism described, but two foul balls can register as strikes, providing there are no strikes against the batter from any other source, and but one foul ball can register as strike provided one strike has been registered against the batter, and no foul balls can register as strikes providing two strikes are registered against the batter.

A ball passing down through the hole 29 in the ball distributor through the chute 101 and trough 103 will come to rest against the door 148 closing a circuit through the strips 138, 146, and 169' and Wire 167 lighting the lamp 17 in Ball 1 compartment of the score board. The second ball from the same source will rest against the first ball, closing a circuit through strips 139, 146 and 170' or wire 170 lighting lamp 17 in Ball 2 compartment. A third ball, in turn, will rest upon the strips 140, 146 and 171 closing a circuit If, now, a ball enters the trough 102 from chute partment. A fourth ball will light lamp 17 in Ball 4 compartment through strips 114, 146 and 172' through wire 172.

A ball 12 in passing down the chute 100 will, if a finger 107 chances to lie in its path, cause said finger to be swung downwardly thus partially rotating the shaft 104 to move the contact portion 111 on the drum 110 toward the contact strip 115 on the hinged members 115. This partial rotation of the shaft will cause one of the fingers 108 of the opposite chute 101 to be brought to a position in which a ball passing down that chute will engage it, again partially rotating the shaft. The contact strip 115' is held in engagement with the drum 110 by the spring 117, the friction between the two being sufficient to prevent said drum being influenced by the weight 119 thereon, and therefore the fingers 107 and 108 will maintain any position in which they may be left by the balls. Eventually the balls will bring together the contact portion 111 and member 115 and at that time a circuit will be closed for lighting lamps at bases and at the score board through conductors as follows: The wire 113 previously described electrically connected to the contact portion 111, leads to switch a in switch base 6 a closed type of switch, Figures 29 and 30. The other side of that switch is connected directly to the transformer wire 156. Electrically connected to the contact strip 115 is the wire 209 which leads to switch a of switch base 4 The other side of the latter switch by a wire 168 leads to lamp 17 in steal compartment of the score board. Attached to wire 168 is a conductor 210 leading to switch a in switch base 5. The other side of this switch is connected to a platea" must beinzposition in. saidbase 4 to com-- of the cord 148. attached to the door. 148, the

lamp n in base '5 by awire 211,:there being also attached .to said. wire 211 a .wire 212 connected to a lamp q inbasefi. ;,A wire 1210' connectsswitch a in switch base-5 and wire 210, this switch being againxofthe closed? type; Connected tothe other side of switch a in switchbase 5 is .a wire 213'leading to" a lamp' o' in base 5..

Upnto this time all" of the switches; in

switch bases 4 5 and 6 have beenprovided" with connections. at. eachside except the switch.

described'wiring, provided aplug-in plateau has not tbeen placed in position at switchbase 6 but -a. plate a".; at this time has a positionat switch-base 4%. Thus Steal compartment of the score boardand Out compartment ofibase 5* will bothbelighted. .Under the same conditions if'aplug-in plateau" is inposition at switch base E rthen. Safe'compartment inbase 5 will light, and fOut compartment in base 6 will light.

This means that the stealing mechanism is in operationiif no plug-in plate a,is in position at switch base 6 -'It is also inoperative if. no plug-.

in plate lies attswitch-base 4 Current up to the time of making the several plays has passed directly through the"closed type of switch a in switch-base .6 directly to the stealing apparatus without result when no contact is made at the latter. But .when plug-in plate a is in place in switch a in switch base G said closed v switch at that point'is opened and the circuit is broken.

Since the stealing mechanism is connected at its other side; through the wire 209 to switch a" or" switch base 4 an .open type switch, ;-it.cani be readily seen that it is required that a plug-in plete the circuit, making the mechanism operative. If a base-runner is on first base 4 and "the stealing mechanism operates, such runner is out at second base 5'; If runners are on both firstbase 4 and second base'5, then runner is safe atsecond base 5'and out at third base 6.

.Stealing happens very infrequentlyin a ball game and the stealing mechanism herein is so. ar: ranged that there is the same infrequency. This is produced by alternate action of balls moving through the chute -'101 of. such mechanism. That is to. sayftwo consecutive strikes or two or threeconsecutive Balls? would move the mechl anism but once from the fact that a-first ball feet the circuit closer means at the drum 1l0.-

A ball reaching the hit, rack has no effect, of course, upon the stealing mechanism, the latter operating only on Strikes and-Balls as pointed out: Should there be a play in the game where the third fOut is made by stealing; and the nextball pitched in the next inning results in a single by the batter, it is evident that them sertion of a plug-in plate in switchbased would immediately "make the stealing mechanism operative through the wiringcircuit la'st described and would light the score board andbases, which would be improper. To avoid such a situation,

the act of operating'the pull-rod -74 will draw the hingedmember 115 away from the drum togeth'erwith the contact member l15'by means latter being raised for the release of balls at. the'timeof an- Out'resultingfrom some source hitssafely'and is placed on base. At the time member s or to the-position about asishown in' Figure 3. If. the. bases are lighted through the stealing mechanism a plug-in plate a, rep

resenting the runner -0ut, when removed from other thanthat of 'stealingfl or when a batter one of the switch bases, breaksthe circuit and therefore any lighted lamps will be extinguished,

but lighted lamps showing ballsiand strikes at the score board will not be disturbed as regis-' teredagainst the man at bat-..

Particular attention is directed to the'strike rack. In'a ball game a foul ball hiti-by thebatter andnot caught by an opposing player is, of course, charged as a strike against the batter, the second foul ball being chargediin the same manner providing no previousstrikes are charged against the batter in the regular manner. The

strike rack is sci-constructed that any combination of foul-ball strikes-and Strikes is handled perfectly, resulting in a proper showing at the.

score board, foul strikes being blocked from registering after two strikes are on the batter. and yet the regular third strike will register regardless of thenumber of fouls hit between the second and third, strikes. Thisresult is produced by the firsttwo balls 12 building up inthe-trough 102 as they; descend from the chute .100. At the same time r they, hold the gate 133 closed at the opening thus blocking entrance of balls that might pedeposited fromthe trough 99 and yet permitting registration of a third ball entering.

from chute 100 byrestingupon'the contact mem her 134 and plate 135. Again,-if the second .ball of the two named balls shouldenterzfrom' the trough 99, the gate 133' will be opened into the I trough 102 andfheldopen so that athird ballv or subsequent balls entering from' trough 99 are prevented fully entering the trough 102; Therefore a circuit can not be closed through. the namedmember 134 and plate 135, and yet a ball that would arrive from chute 100 will. come to rest against thewgate directly upon ithemember' and plate completing a circuit'to1showStrike 3."

on thescore board.

During the movement fieldf'lamps are lighted only temporarily as compared with the long lighting of the score board lamps 1'7 and bases. ball reaches andremains at the door 69 thesaid "score-board 'lamps l'l or lamps at bases are lighted permanently in the sense, only, that they remain lighted until the balls are liberated by lifting said door 69. I r

- Insome of the claims I shall use .theterms temporaryf'and ipermanent or equivalent expressions, for the sake of brevity, their use being understood to be in accordance with the statementjust made." Further, in someof the claims- That is to say when a or a ball through the runways made up of the members 37, 38 "the" the required service;

The interposition of thearmature switch 157 is merely means to the end that a circuit or circuits may be controlled thereby, but other means may be used to obtain the same result. Further, it may be stated that 'it is not'my intention to be confined to the use of parts specifically described since I may substitute for such parts-any other means that will perform I claim:

1. Apparatusin which to play the game of base ball including adesignated playing field with its bases one of the baseshaving the legends Safe and Out in segregated positions, an electric lamp at each legend, each arranged to be separately lighted to show the legend corresponding thereto, two electric switches at another of the bases, electrical connections between each switch and one of the lamps, and means for closing the switches for lighting the lamps.

2. Apparatus in which to play the gameof base ball including a designated playing field with its bases one of the bases having the legends Safe and Out in segregated positions, an elec-' tric lamp atleach legend, eacharranged to be separately lighted to showthe legend corresponding thereto, two electric switches at another of the bases, electrical connections between each switch and one of the lamps and manually operated means at each switch for lightingone of the lamps. v

3. Apparatus on which to play the game of base ball including a represented playing fieldand its bases each base having thereat the legends Safe and Out, an electric lamp at each legend which upon being separately lighted illuminates the legend corresponding thereto, two electric switches ateach of certain of the bases, electrical connections between'a switch at one base and one of the lamps of another base in advance thereof, and a plug insertable in one of the switches forv lighting the lamp corresponding to the legendto be shown.

4. Apparatuson which to playthe game of base ball including a represented playing field and its bases, each base including the legends Safe and Outfelectric lamps at each base for separately illuminating the said legends, an electric switch at each of certain of the bases each corresponding to one of the lamps, electrical connections between the switches at one base" and the lamps'of another base in advance thereof, and'a plug insertable in one of the switches for lighting a given lamp.

5. Apparatus on 'which'to play the game of base ball including'a represented field and its bases, each base having thereat means to indicate Safe and0ut, a lamp at each, electric switches at certain of the bases, certain'of said switches being electrically connected through a source of current with certain of the lamps of other bases,. and electrical connections between certai'n'of the switches of a given base and the switches of another base, and plugs adapted for insertion in the switches of any one of the bases.

6; Apparatus on which to play the game of base ball including a series of metallic balls, a main trough for the travel therethrough of the balls, a second trough conneoted'into one side of the said main trough, also for ball travel, a pair of current conducting devices stationed in the main trough, a pair of signaling devices with each of which one of the pair of devices in the trough isseparately connected electrically, the opening from the second trough into the main trough lying opposite a position between the two said devices, a gate for closing the said opening of the second trough to the main trough, said gate,

adapted to swing into and across the passage-of the main trough by the weight of a ball against it within the second trough, said gate providinga lodgement for a ball behind it in said main trough, a ball contacting with either of the devices causingthe actuation of the signaling de-- vice connected therewith.

7. An apparatus for playing the game of base ball including a designated playing field and bases, a signaling device at each of the bases, mechanism for permitting Base stealing com-- prising a contact member forming part of one side of an electric circuit connected with said'signal, a rotatable drum, a contact .me'mber thereon forming part of the other side of the said circuit, a series of balls used in the game, a chute for guiding theballs and means torotate the drum by the travel of the balls thereover for advancing the said drum and carrying its contact member step-by-step with respect to the first named contact member. a

8. Anrapparatus for playing the-game of base ball including a score board, a signaling device at the same, mechanism for permitting Base stealing comprising a contact member forming" one side of an electric circuit connected with said signaling device, a movable contact member forming the other side of said circuit, a series of balls used in thegame, and means in the path of travel of the balls and affected thereby for advancing the movable contact member step-by-step toward the first named contact member.

9. 'An apparatus for playing the game of base ball including a designated playing field and its bases, a signaling device at one of the bases, 2. score board signaling device, ballsused in playing the game, mechanism for permitting Base stealing comprising a contact member forming one side of an electric circuit connected with the named signaling devices, a movable contact member forming the other side of said circuit to said signaling devices, a series of balls used in the game, and means in the path of travel of the balls affected thereby for advancing the movable contact member step-by-step toward the first named contact member.

10. An apparatus'on which to play the game 01' base ball including two series of lamps, a series of electric circuits for each series of lamps, each separately electrically connected through one of the lamps of its series, and a ball adapted in its travel to selectively and automatically close a circuit'through a lamp of one of the series of lamps followed by selectively and automatically closing a circuit through a lamp of the other series of lamps. I

'11. Apparatus on which to'play the game of base ball including a designated playing field, a metallic ball for liberation on the playing field, a rack for receiving the ball from the said playing field, a series of runways on said rack downwardly inclined arranged for the passage of the ball-through any one of them, each runway consisting of two conductors insulated from each other, electrically operated signaling devices distributed over said field and corresponding in positions thereon to the different positions a base ball may have on an out door ball field, each runway being connected to one of the signaling dew vices, an electric circuit being closed through a ill " in'g field with its basedenOtingflOut and a pair of conductors connected to each ofthe 'l'astnamed signals, the: ball closing ai circuit through either pair of conductors to'operate a signal with which a pairmaysignaling device in the traveler the -imet'allic ball down the runway with which that device is jc'0'n-' nected, a series of score-board signaling devices,

a series of pairs of conductors each pair having:

l ing said rack having an opening forlthe passage therethrou'gh or a ball'. 1.

13 Apparatus on which" to play the game-of base ball including -asupportj'having bases indicated thereon in conventional positions, there being a pair of openings in the supp'ort,.saidopenings andv the home. plate? base of the several, basesl-ying in alignment, a chutebeneath the support terminating'at itsextremities at said openings' adapted to cause a: ball dropped through' 'one of'the openings to be discharged through the other opening toward said home plate, anda plurality of pairs of partitions on the. support, each pair creating a pocket, the-pockets being separate one from the other and anyone of them adapted to receive the'ballfrom said chute, there being an opening in eachpocket for the receptionof a ball. a .1 l4QApparatus on which to play the. game of base ball including an indicated base-ball playbas'esfahd a'se'ries of signals in distributed positions on such field, each indicating a batted ball position; a series of-signals each 'denoting a score board legend, pairs of condu'ctors for an electric current, the same forming runways,"each pair being connected with on'e of,

the signals of the first named; series of signals, a ball for traversing the conductors of a pair and for connecting them electrically for operating the signal with which'th'atpa'ir is connected and 2', pair of conductors connected with each of the signals cfithe second named series of signals, any ofithesaid second named series being operated by a ball efiectingthe closing of a circuit through the conductors connected therewith;

-15. Apparatus on "which to play the game out base 'ball includingv Jan its b'asesl, and a scoreboard, a series of signals in distributed positions on said field, each 'den'ot-' ing a batted ball position, a series ;of signalslat' the score board, a pair of conductors connected to each'of thesignals of the'first named series, a ball to'travelupon the conductors of a pair closing an electric "circuit through such conductors for operating the signal connected 'therewith, a pair of conductors connected to each'of' the signals of the second named series;v said ball effecting the closing of a circuit through any one pair, and a plurality of'means the path of travel-of a ball for directing it'to difierent positions in its movement toward pairs-of conductors of either series of signals. 5 v

-16, Apparatus on which to play the game of base ball including bases indicated onza' base ballpl'aying field, alseries of batted ball signals distributed over the field, each: indicating a batted ball position, a pair or conductors connected to each of the signals, a metallic .ball'a'dapted to connect any one of the pairs of conductors electrically by contact therewith .to 'operatejasig'nal', a signal at a base denoting S'afef, a signal at a indicatedibase ball held,

be connected.

1'71 Apparatus on'which to play the game of baseball including adesignated playing field and" its ba'sesi, a'metallic ball; a series of signals distributed 'over the field; each indicating abatted balls position, a series-of'signals'each denoting Safef'and Out, a pair of conductors'connected to each of thesignals of the first named series' of signalsthe sam'eflbeing' connected electrically by contact of the balltherewith to 'show'the signal:

to which said conductors are connected, a pair of conductors connectedtoieach of the signals of the secondnarned series offsignals, the same'being connected electrically by the ball contacting therewith to closea'circuit therethrough andshow th'e signal with which said conductors are connected, the closing oi the circuit through the last named signal following and replacing a'disclosed signalofth'e first series of signals, and meansin the path of the ball for imparting an erratic travel the named conductors.

thereto prior to reaching 18. An-apparatus for playing the game of base 7 ball including a playing field'having playing pos'itions denoted thereon, a series of lamps distrib uted over said field in positions correspondingto certain playing positions, a series of separateruh wayseach consisting of apair of conductors connectedtc a lamp or the series, a metallic ball-for release by a player adapted to traverse a runway to electrically connect its conductors and light a lamp 7 travel of i the ballitherealong, said lamp when lighted indicating a given position of a base ball on the said field, a series of other signaling lamps,

pairs of conductors, each pair having connection with oneof the last named lamps, said ball electrically connecting the conductors for lighting the lamp connected therewith, the ball in its travel "leaving the named runways before reach. ing the last named the second series, the runwaysand the conductors of the saidsecond series of lamps being spaced apartin the line ofitravel of the ball. 7 r

19]. Anapparatus on which to play the game of base ball including a designated playing'field, a series of lamps distributed over-said field den'Qting various playing positions, a current-conductmg ball, a. series 'of inclined runways consisting each of a" pair of conductors, eachpair having connection with one of the lamps, and uponwhi'ch the ball is directed and'mounte'd 'for closing anelectriccircuitthrough alamp, a second series'of lamps severallydenoting' Strikes, Balls and other designations ason a score board, a pair oi corresponding-to that runway during theconductors whereby the lamp of the firstseries of lamps i'sautomatically ex tinguished followed by the lighting of a lamp of .20. An apparatus on which to play the game,

of baseball including the representation of a playing field, a series of lamps distributed over said field, a currehtconducting ball, a series of pairs of substantially parallel conductors, each pair of conductors forming a runway for therball and each pairconnected toa lamp, said ball iillI-x ing its travel in the runway closing a circuit through the lamp, a score board, a second series of lamps severally denoting plays at said score board, a pair of conductors connected to eachof runways and the conductors for, lighting the lamps.

of the score board for again diverting the ball.

21. Apparatus on which to play the game of base ball including a designated playing field, a series of individuallamps indicating plays on said field,-

a second series of lamps indicating various plays as on a score board, pairs of conductors, each pair being separately connected to a lamp of the first named series of lamps, other pairs of conductors, each pair having separate connection with a lamp of the second named series of lamps, a current conducting ball adapted to traverse a pair of conductors ofthe first series of lamps for closing a circuit through the lamp of that'pair, said ball passing off the latter and then having contact withthe pair of conductors of a lamp of said second named series of'lamps and holding that circuit closed, means by which to direct the ball at random before reaching any of the first named conductors, and meansfor directing said ball, at

random toward the second named conductors.

22. Apparatus on which to play the game of base ball including a designated playing field, a

series -of signaling devices distributed over said field in positions to indicate certain positions of a base ball on the field, each of said devices being capable of producing a signal sensible to a player of. the game, a second series of like devices each indicating a play as on a score board, a currentconducting ball for release by a player, a separate runway of considerable length comprising two spaced conductors connected to each of certain of the first named devices, the. ball adapted tov travel along andupon said conductors of a runway for closinga circuit through the device connected therewith, a pair of conductors connected to each of the devices of the named second series of devices, and a normally open circuit closer lying in positionat each of the pairs of the last named conductors adapted to contact with both of the same, any one of the several circuit closers lying in position to receive a ball againstit after said ball leaves a runway. r r

23. The invention'according to claim 22 and whereincertain of the devices of one series of devices correspond in signaling information on the playing field with certain of those of the other series of devices at' the score board.

.24. Apparatuson whichv to play the game of base ball including a designated playing field a series of signaling devices distributed over said field, each to indicate the position of abase ball on the field corresponding to the same position on an out. doorfield, a pair of conductors connected to each signaling device, a-current conducting ball for delivery by a player to traverse a. pair of such conductors forclosing a circuit through the signaling device with which such pair is connected, a series of score board signaling devices indicating Strikes and Balls, a pair of conductors connected to each of said score board signaling devices, said ball adapted to contact with and close a circuit through the same, a plurality of means, in the path of. a delivered ball, one of which may receive and direct said ball toward any one pair of conductors of the first position onan outdoor field, a pair of conduc tors connected to each signaling device, current conducting balls for delivery by a player to traverse pairs'of such conductors closing circuits through the signaling devices with which they are connected, a series of score board signaling devicesfor indicating Strikes and Balls, apairof conductorsconnected to each of said devices, said balls adapted to close circuits through pairs of conductors for operating such devices with which they are connected, a plurality of means in the path of a delivered ball one of which may receive said ball and direct it toward any one pair of conductors of. the first named series of signaling devices, and one of'which may receive and direct the ball from' its path toward said conductors and divertit to a pair of conductors leading to the score board'signaling devices, a pair of inclinedconstructed to confine a series of balls in a single line therein and having a place of lodgement for said series, and said placeof lodgement being positioned to locate a ball of a series upon the terminals of a pair. of the-conductors.

26. Apparatus on which'the play the game of baseball including a designated base ball playing field, a series of signaling devices distributed over'said field, each to indicate the position of a, base balloon said field corresponding to the same position on an out door field, a pair of conductors connected to each signaling device, current conducting balls for delivery by a player to traverse pairs of such conductors for closing circuits throughthe signaling devices with which they are connected, a series of score-board signaling devices for indicating Strikes and Balls, a pair of conductors connected to each of said devices, said balls adapted to close circuits through a troughfor receiving balls thus lastly directed,

pairs of the conductors for the last named devices terminating in said trough, the terminalsof pairs lying in spaced relation to each other, said trough being constructed to-confine a series of balls in a single line therein andhaving 'a place of lodgment for said series and positioned to locate a ball of the series upon the terminals of each pair of said conductors, there being an opening in the trough at one side thereof at a position between two of the spaced conductor terminals.

and a freely'hinged gate adapted to overlie said opening and positioned to receive a ball against it that may lie in said trough or that may enter through said opening. 

